NFC Championship Preview: Fearless Forecast

The 2010 NFC Championship will feature the New Orleans Saints and the Minnesota Vikings. Although both teams struggled down the stretch, they were able to get it together in time for the playoffs, and now have one thing in mind—a Super Bowl berth.

For the Vikings, the signing of the ageless wonder Brett Favre has put them among the NFL's elite.

Did anyone expect this out of Favre?

After a tumultuous season a year ago with the New York Jets, many suspected that Favre was actually going to retire.

However, Favre proved us wrong again as he threw for 33 touchdowns, and here is the most shocking stat: seven interceptions.

The Vikings' first task in the playoffs was to beat the red-hot Dallas Cowboys, and they had no trouble with that as they dismantled Dallas 34-3. Can the Vikings keep it going in the Big Easy?

As for the Saints, after losing their final three games of the regular season, people were doubting their Super Bowl chances. However, their first game of the playoffs, they went back to playing the same football that led them to 13-0, as they destroyed the Arizona Cardinals 45-14.

Drew Brees was red-hot, and so was the X-Factor in Reggie Bush. I wouldn't want to play Brees at home in the Super Dome with a super bowl on the line. The Vikings should be ready, because it is going to be rocking in the New Orleans. 

How the Vikings Win: By limiting their turnovers, and playing the defense they played a week ago against the Cowboys.

How the Saints Win: They need to stop Adrian Peterson, and open up the game with a TD to get the Super Dome rocking and uncomfortable for the Vikings. If they can contain Adrian Peterson, the odds are in their favor. 

Player That Needs to Play Well for the Vikings: Adrian Peterson

Player That Needs to Play Well for the Saints: Drew Brees

Final Score: 31-23, Saints